Weekly Update: March 17, 2014

The San Jose Earthquakes hit the road for a pair this week, starting with the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal against Deportivo Toluca FC at Nemesio Diez Stadium on Wednesday, March 19. Kickoff is 5 p.m. PT on FOX Sports 2 and Univision Deportes Network with an official club viewing party at the Britannia Arms in Downtown San Jose. Next up after Toluca FC is a trip to Sporting Park to take on defending MLS Cup champion Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, March 22. Kickoff for that match is 5:30 p.m. PT on Comcast SportsNet Plus, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF.

DEPORTIVO TOLUCA FC INFO

Deportivo Toluca FC Scouting Report
Toluca are one of the top teams in Mexico with 25 points from their first 11 matches in the Liga MX Clausura. Toluca are one of the most successful clubs in Mexican history with 10 league titles to their name as well as a 2003 CONCACAF Champions League victory. Among the key players is Paraguayan forward Pablo Velazquez, the second-leading scorer during the 2014 Clausura with five goals. Pulling the strings from the midfield is Brazilian playmaker Antonio “Sinha” Naelson, one of the icons of the club having made over 500 appearances since debuting in 1999.

Last Game vs. Deportivo Toluca FCEarthquakes 1, Toluca FC 1; March 11, 2014; Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
The Earthquakes drew 1-1 with Deportivo Toluca FC thanks to a 95th-minute header from Alan Gordon. The Earthquakes had most of the chances on the night, outshooting their guests 20-10 with a 12-3 advantage in shots-on-goal. However, it was Toluca FC who found the scoreboard first thanks to mis-clear in the back by San Jose in the 67th minute. Toluca FC appeared as if they would take a 1-0 lead into the second leg, but Gordon broke free on a set piece from Shea Salinas, snapping his header into the ground and past Diablos Rojos goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera.

Sporting Kansas City Scouting Report
Sporting Kansas City (0-1-1, 1 pts.) is the defending MLS Cup champion. They enter the week 1-1-1 in all competitions, including a 1-0 win against Cruz Azul last week in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal. Their most recent match was a 1-1 draw against FC Dallas over the weekend, a game that Sporting Kansas City led 1-0 after Aurelien Collin’s goal in the 81st minute. However, FC Dallas rallied with a Matt Hedges equalizer in the 90th minute, denying Sporting their first MLS win of the year. Many of the key players from their MLS Cup squad are back, including United States national teamers Matt Besler and Graham Zusi as well as Collin, Argentine forward Claudio Bieler and right back Chance Myers.

Last Game vs. Sporting Kansas City

Earthquakes 1, Sporting KC 0; Aug. 18, 2013; Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
The Earthquakes stayed in the MLS Cup Playoff race with a key 1-0 win against Sporting Kansas City on Aug. 18, 2013 in front of a sold out crowd at Buck Shaw Stadium. Chris Wondolowski supplied the firepower on his own bobblehead night, heading home his eighth goal of the season in the 55th minute. That tally moved Wondolowski into a tie with current Real Salt Lake head coach Jason Kreis for No. 4 on Major League Soccer’s all-time game-winning goals list with 31. After a scoreless first half, the Earthquakes didn’t wait long to find the scoreboard. Sam Cronin tried to send a ball into the mix, but it was deflected wide to Steve Beitashour. The 2012 MLS All-Star volleyed in a cross that Wondolowski headed into the corner for his eighth goal of the season.

History of the Quakes-Sporting Kansas City Rivalry
San Jose and Sporting, then known as the Kansas City Wiz (later Kansas City Wizards), were two of the 10 original clubs during the inaugural 1996 MLS season … The first meeting between the sides was a thriller on April 21, 2006, at Spartan Stadium … With the game tied 2-2 at the end of regulation, the Clash fell in a lengthy shootout by a score of 8-7 … San Jose’s first win against Kansas City came later that season on May 29, 2-1 at Spartan Stadium, thanks to an Eric Wynalda brace … The teams have faced off twice in the postseason … The Quakes won 3-2 at Spartan Stadium on Nov. 15, 2003, on a 117th-minute Landon Donovan goal in sudden-death overtime, during the Western Conference Finals en route to their second MLS Cup title … The two teams met again in the 2004 MLS Cup Playoffs for a two-game Western Conference Semifinals series … The Quakes took a 2-0 decision in their home leg on Oct. 24, but were then eliminated on aggregate following a 3-0 Wizards victory six days later at Arrowhead Stadium, with current Quake Khari Stephenson grabbing the opener and Jack Jewsbury scoring the all-important third goal in second-half stoppage time … Chris Wondolowski tallied the goal that sealed his first Golden Boot award during the 2010 regular-season finale on Oct. 23 at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, his 18th of the year … The Earthquakes played in the second-ever MLS match at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park on June 17, 2011, falling 1-0 with C.J. Sapong re-directing a free kick from Graham Zusi for the only goal of the match in the 31st minute … San Jose fell 2-1 on the road against Sporting KC in their lone meeting in 2012 on May 27 … The Earthquakes took the 2013 edition of this matchup 1-0 on Aug. 18 at Buck Shaw Stadium with Chris Wondolowski scoring his fifth career goal against Sporting KC.

Earthquakes – Sporting Kansas City Connections
SKC defender Ike Opara played for the Earthquakes from 2010-12, making 35 appearances and recording three goals … Opara (2007-09) and Earthquakes midfielder Sam Cronin (2005-08) attended Wake Forest, winning the 2007 College Cup for the Demon Decons … Earthquakes defender Clarence Goodson and forward Chris Wondolowski played alongside Sporting KC defender Matt Besler in the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup … That trio has also played with SKC midfielder Graham Zusi on the USMNT … Earthquakes goalkeeper David Bingham (2008-10), Earthquakes defender Ryan Neil (2010-13) and SKC goalkeeper Eric Kronberg (2004-05) played for Cal … SKC midfielder Paulo Nagamura played with Earthquakes forward Alan Gordon for the LA Galaxy in 2004-05 … SKC midfielder Jacob Peterson appeared in nine games for the Earthquakes in 2011 after arriving in a trade along with current San Jose players Alan Gordon and Nana Attakora from Toronto FC on July 14, 2011 … Peterson played with Earthquakes midfielder Sam Cronin at Toronto FC in 2010.

Goonie Magic
After scoring 95th-minute equalizers in each of their games last week, the Earthquakes boosted their second-half stoppage-time haul to 17 goals in all competitions over the last two years. Fifteen of those goals produced a win or a tie.

Stoppage-Time Superlatives
Here’s a bit more detail about the Earthquakes’ second-half stoppage-time goals since 2012:

-Nine second-half stoppage-time goals during the 2012 regular season, an MLS record, and added one more during the first leg of their Western Conference Semifinal against the LA Galaxy at the StubHub Center on Nov. 4
-6-0-3 in 2012 when they scored in second-half stoppage time
-5 goals in second-half stoppage-time in 2013
-2-0-2 in 2013 when they scored in second-half stoppage time
-Scored in the 95th minute in each of their first two games of 2014, the first to equalize 1-1 against Toluca FC in CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal action and the next to draw Real Salt Lake 3-3 in their MLS opener
-8-0-7 in all competitions since the beginning of 2012 when they score in second-half stoppage-time
-34 goals during MLS play in the 76th minute or later since the beginning of 2012
-15-0-10 since the start of 2012 when scoring in the 76th minute or later

No Place Like Home
The Earthquakes are on a 21-game unbeaten streak in all competitions at home dating back to opening day of 2013, a 2-0 loss against Real Salt Lake on March 3. The club is 24-2-14 in all competitions at Buck Shaw Stadium since 2012 and 27-4-14 including matches played at other Bay Area venues.

Earthquakes Unbeaten in 11 Games
The Earthquakes are unbeaten in their last 11 games dating back to last year. San Jose closed its 2013 campaign 7-0-2 in all competitions, yielding just two goals during that span, and earned a pair of ties last week, 1-1 against Toluca FC and 3-3 against Real Salt Lake. Their last loss was Aug. 31, 2013 against the LA Galaxy at the StubHub Center.

Honduran Golazos
Victor Bernardez had his first-career multi-goal game in a 3-3 tie against Real Salt Lake in San Jose’s MLS opener on March 15. The Honduran national teamer scored in the 75th and 95th minutes to rally the Earthquakes from a 3-1 deficit. He also had an assist on the club’s first goal. The pair of goals matches his career high for a single season while with San Jose, a mark he set in 2012.

Salinas Notches First Assists of 2014
Shea Salinas recorded his first two assists of 2014 in a 3-3 tie with Real Salt Lake in San Jose’s home opener on March 15. His first came on a free kick, whipping a ball into the mix where Victor Bernardez redirected to Chris Wondolowski for the goal. The next came on a corner kick, this time finding Bernardez for the finish at the near post. Salinas led the Earthquakes with a career-high eight assists in 2013. The multi-assist game was Salinas’ fifth of his career.

CONCACAF Champions League Schedule
The Earthquakes are one of eight teams to reach the CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal. Should San Jose advance, they would face the winner of Arabe Unido (Panama) and LD Alajuelense (Costa Rica).

Earthquakes Connections to CONCACAF Champions Cup
The Earthquakes are participating in their first CONCACAF Champions League. However, the club did play eight games in the previous tournament format: Champions Cup. From 2002-04, San Jose participated in three different Champions Cup competitions. Current assistant coach Ian Russell scored a goal for the Earthquakes to help them advance to the 2002 quarterfinals after a 4-1 aggregate win against CD Olimpia of Honduras. Midfielder Ramiro Corrales was also a member of those squads and scored the lone goal in San Jose’s 4-1 quarterfinal loss against Pachuca CF in 2002.

Earthquakes All-Time in CONCACAF Competition
Although making their maiden voyage in CONCACAF Champions League, San Jose is not unfamiliar with CONCACAF tournaments; they previously participated in the Champions Cup in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Here’s how they fared in each of those competitions:

Stephenson Returns to San Jose
Jamaican midfielder Khari Stephenson has returned to the club, signing after one season away with Real Salt Lake. Stephenson, 33, is an 11-year professional with experience in Europe and MLS. He initially played for the Earthquakes from 2010-12. He scored one goal and had one assist in 11 appearances while helping San Jose reach the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2010. A year later, he tallied five goals and four assists while starting 27 of his 31 games. Stephenson had another two goals and three assists in 27 appearances a year later during the Earthquakes’ memorable run to the 2012 MLS Supporters’ Shield. After that campaign, Stephenson was picked up by Real Salt Lake during Stage 2 of the 2012 MLS Re-Entry Process. He signed with RSL on Feb. 22, 2013 and went on to record one goal and one assist in 19 games.

Martinez Waived
The Earthquakes waived Honduran midfielder Walter Martinez on March 11. Martinez, 31, scored two goals and had two assists in 15 appearances for the Earthquakes. He originally signed with San Jose on March 15, 2013 after three seasons in China. Among his highlights with the Earthquakes was a game-winning goal against Seattle Sounders FC on July 13 at Buck Shaw Stadium, a match that San Jose won 1-0.

Earthquakes Partner with City of San Jose
The Earthquakes and City of San Jose have signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement focused on sustainability and green initiatives. The Earthquakes along with the City and the County are planning several activities that begin in March and will continue through the 2016 season at the club’s new stadium in San Jose, including: Clarence Goodson and Steven Lenhart will be featured in a co-branded advertising campaign focused on environmental actions that everyone can take; an “Environmental Epicenter” at select home games, including opening day and Earth Day, will encourage fans to adopt environmentally friendly actions; a permanent “Sustainable Stadium Garden” will be installed in the Epicenter Fan Zone of the club’s new stadium; the new stadium facilities will use digital messaging and signage promoting green actions.

Tickets on Sale for Levi’s® Stadium Match
The Santa Clara Stadium Authority and the San Jose Earthquakes have partnered to present the first event at Levi’s® Stadium. The Earthquakes will host to Seattle Sounders FC in one of Major League Soccer’s most heated rivalries on Aug. 2, 2014. Tickets are now on sale at www.ticketmaster.com.

USMNT to Host World Cup Send-Off Match at Candlestick Park
The United States Men’s National Team will open a three-game FIFA World Cup send-off series against Azerbaijan at Candlestick Park on Tuesday, May 27. Kickoff is 7 p.m. PT on ESPN2, WatchESPN and UniMas. The match marks the first time the USMNT will visit Candlestick Park. The U.S. has only played in San Francisco once before, garnering a 3-2 win against Japan at AT&T Park in 2006. The match will also be the first time the United States and Azerbaijan’s senior teams have played against each other. In addition to the match in San Francisco, the United States will also face Turkey at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sunday, June 1 (11 a.m. PT / ESPN2, WatchESPN and UniMas) and Nigeria at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Fla. on Saturday, June 7 (3 p.m. PT / ESPN, WatchESPN and UniMas).

Earthquakes-Timbers Game on Oct. 4 to be Aired Live on NBC Sports Network
The club’s match against the Portland Timbers on Saturday, Oct. 4 will be aired live on NBC Sports Network. Kickoff is 8 p.m. PT at Buck Shaw Stadium. The match was previously scheduled for local viewing at 7:30 p.m. PT. All tickets issued for that match will still be valid at the gates.

Wine And Dine with the Earthquakes Slated for Sunday, May 18
The club will host its Wine and Dine with the Earthquakes event on Sunday, May 18 at Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill. For a third-consecutive year, guests will enjoy tasting a selection of Guglielmo's red and white wines while mingling with Earthquakes players, coaches and front office staff at the Villa Emile Event Center. They will also experience the irresistible charm of a vintage cobblestone courtyard, a picturesque backdrop with vineyards and rolling hills and a wine bar and arbor still draped with grapes on vines planted by the Guglielmo family three generations ago. The event will feature a buffet dinner courtesy of Cosmopolitan Catering, live auction, raffle and grape stomp as well as celebrity bartending from Earthquakes players. For more information and to register, visit www.sjearthquakes.com or email the club’s community relations manager, Alison Piergallini, at apiergallini@sjearthquakes.com.

Earthquakes to Host Fifth-Annual Corporate Cup
The Earthquakes will host its Fifth Annual Corporate Cup on Saturday, July 26 in San Jose. The 5v5 tournament features companies from across the Bay Area, including past winners National Tire Warehouse, DZH Phillips and DV8 Elite. Teams are guaranteed at least three games and can choose to play in Men’s Corporate, Men’s Open or the Co-Ed divisions. Registration is now open at www.sjearthquakes.com or by calling 408-556-7700. All proceeds will benefit the Earthquakes Community Fund. Packages will include a fully catered meal by Cosmo Catering during the tournament and San Jose Earthquakes match tickets. All proceeds will benefit the Earthquakes Community Fund.

Earthquakes Unveil New Logo, Jerseys
The Earthquakes unveiled the club’s new logo during a public event attended by over 4,000 fans last week at San Pedro Square Market in Downtown San Jose. The club projected images and videos onto the 12-story Sunwize building at the corner of W St. John St. and N San Pedro St. For more information about the unveiling, visit www.sjearthquakes.com.

ACADEMY NOTES

Earthquakes U-13s Win CalNorth State Cup
The Earthquakes U-13s defeated San Jose FC 3-0 on Saturday at the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Complex to win the U.S. Youth Soccer CalNorth State Cup for the first time in club history. Fabian Rodriguez scored the eventual game-winner 20 minutes into the second half with San Jose playing a man down. Oscar Govea and Nathan Arnott clinched the win with two more goals. Next up is the Regional Championship in New Mexico from June 15-22.

Earthquakes U-16s
The Earthquakes U-16s defeated Real Salt Lake AZ 4-3 over the weekend, solidifying their third-place position in the Northwest Division at 12-4-3. They’ll return to action on Saturday, March 29 against second-place Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Simon Fraser University. Kickoff is 2:30 p.m. PT.

Earthquakes U-18s
The Earthquakes U-18s lost 2-1 against Real Salt Lake AZ over the weekend. Juan Velasquez had the lone goal for San Jose in the 15th minute. Next up is a key match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Simon Fraser University on Saturday, March 29. Kickoff is 12 p.m. PT.